Acts 12:20

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 12:20-23

Human pride and Divine retribution. The main lesson which this incident conveys is the folly of human presumption. But there are side truths which the narrative suggests. 1. The interdependence of one nation on another: "Their country was nourished by the king's country" ( Acts 12:20 ). One land has metals in abundance; another has corn; another, cotton; another, timber, etc. It was clearly the intention of the Father of all that all peoples should live in close friendship and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 12:20-23

Judgment on the royal persecutor. I. THE WORLDLY POLICY , AND WHAT IT LEADS TO . Idolatry. Blasphemy. The atmosphere of corruption attacks the vitals. The man lives in a moral pest-house. He himself is at last devoured by the filth of his own sins. Examples in all history. The French king in eighteenth century. Napoleon III . II. THE CERTAINTY OF DIVINE PROTECTION . He takes away the evil man. He disperses the dark cloud. Blessed are those that wait on his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 12:20-25

The death of Herod. I. THE CIRCUMSTANCES . In the height of his power and haughtiness be is suddenly cast down. While raising himself arrogantly against the Majesty on high, by that Majesty he is brought low and put to shame. Also it is while he is being sought by petitioners, and hailed by the flattering voice of the multitude as a god. These features have all the elements of the most solemn tragedy. The messenger of Divine judgment smites him straightway, and he perishes... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 12:20

And Herod was highly displeased ... - Greek: “bore a hostile mind,” intending war. See the margin. The Greek word θυμομαχῶν thumomachōn does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament. It means to meditate war; to purpose war in the mind; or here, probably, to be enraged or angry at them. What was the cause of this hostility to the people of Tyre and Sidon is not mentioned, and conjecture is useless. It is not at all inconsistent, however, with the well known character of Herod. It was probably... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Acts 12:20

Acts 12:20. Herod, &c. The historian now proceeds to mention some circumstances that were introductory to the miserable end of Herod; was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon On account of some supposed affront which he had received from them, and which provoked him so far that, having vowed a severe revenge, he was preparing with all speed to make war upon them. But they came with one accord to him Being a trading people, and apprehensive of the consequences of the king’s... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Acts 12:1-25

Events in Jerusalem (12:1-25)Back in Jerusalem the church was experiencing much difficulty. The Jews in general were becoming restless concerning the free mixing between Jewish and Gentile Christians, and were angry at the apostles for encouraging it. The governor at that time, Herod Agrippa I (a grandson of Herod the Great), knew it was not wise to let the Jews become too excited. Therefore, in an effort to please them he took action against the apostles by having one of them, James, executed... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Acts 12:20

Herod . Texts read "He". was highly displeased . Greek. thumomacheo, to fight angrily. Only here. them of Tyre, &c . = the Tyrians, &c. came = were present, or presented themselves. with one accord . Greek. homothumadon. See note on Acts 1:14 . made . . . their friend = persuaded, or won over. Greek. peitho. App-150 . the king's chamberlain = one who was over (Greek. epi. App-104 ) the bedchamber (Greek. koiton. Only here) of the king. desired = were asking for. Greek. ... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Acts 12:20

Now he was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: and they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was fed by the king's country. And upon a set day, Herod arrayed himself in royal apparel, and sat on his throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people shouted, saying, The voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately an angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory:... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Acts 12:19-20

Acts 12:19-20. And he went down from Judea, &c.— See on ch. Acts 8:40. Herod the Great, after he had built Caesarea Palestine, had instituted games to the honour of Caesar, which were to be celebrated every fifth year. Not long after the apprehending of St. Peter, the usual time recurred for the celebration of these games. Herod Agrippa went down to Caesarea upon this occasion. Another affair which called him to that part of his dominions was, his being highly offended with the inhabitants... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Acts 12:20

20. Herod was . . . displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon—for some reason unknown; but the effect on their commercial relations made the latter glad to sue for peace. their country was nourished by the king's country—See 1 Kings 5:11; Ezra 3:7; Ezekiel 27:17. Perhaps the famine (Acts 11:28) made them the more urgent for reconciliation. read more

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